A retired vicar has been banned from practising as a priest for life after 'inappropriate' behaviour.
The Reverend Martin Baldock, who is now retired, has received a 'penalty of prohibition' from the church as well as losing the honorary title of Canon of York.
He was found to have had a 'close and inappropriate relationship with someone other than his wife' as well as 'failing to protect a vulnerable adult'.
Mr Baldock started his church career in Nailsea near Bristol after being ordained in 1985 and was later appointed Rural Dean of York which he held from 2004 to 2012.
Following proceedings in 2019 under the Church of England's Clergy Discipline Measure, he admitted to two counts of misconduct while in his post in York.
Regarding the news, Bishop of Selby, the Rt Revd Dr John Thomson said: "This is deeply upsetting news for the Parish of Dringhouses, where Mr Baldock was held in respect and affection for 17 years, and where many members of the church and community trusted him with their deepest and sometimes their most sensitive feelings and experiences.
"The Church of England expects the very highest standards of conduct from its clergy in both their personal and their professional relationships, and in this case those relationships have gone wrong.
"The individuals most closely involved in this situation, and the people of Dringhouses Parish and at St Edwards are in my prayers, as they and their Vicar, Richard Carew, come to terms with this news while they work and pray to rebuild the community of love and trust that has always been at the heart of this parish."
Mr Baldock, married to Sue, is retired and living in the Midlands.
